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Epiphany with Tea: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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Who would think tea at Rosings could be enlightening? Not Mr. Darcy. At least, not until the moment he realizes how to win Elizabeth Bennet's heart. Even after years of marriage, the memory of tea at Rosings is still fresh in Darcy's mind, but can lessons learned then help him come to terms with the trials of today? Epiphany with Tea is a story of love, happiness, understanding and cherishing the season. This Pride and Prejudice Christmas Short Story is approximately 12,500 words. Renata McMann and Summer Hanford began writing Pride and Prejudice Variations together in 2014 and have since become immersed in the amazing world Jane Austen created. Whether you’re a fan of Darcy and Elizabeth specifically or of clean Regency Romance in general, you will enjoy both McMann’s ability to imagine variations of this classic love story and Hanford’s skill in turning these variations of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet and their enduring love into entertaining stories.

53 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2016

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Renata McMann

73 books70 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,337 reviews126 followers
April 9, 2023
A father lives after death in his son.  ~Sanskrit

That's the question here -- how much of George Wickham exists in his 8-year-old son?

Darcy fears the worst: that young George will repeat the episodes of the past with his young Fitzwilliam and toddler Jane.
Elizabeth wants to raise the orphan at Pemberley.

What to do? What to do?

Maybe remember the past.
Maybe remember how the Darcys became a family at Rosings.
Maybe have a sip of tea.

This is a short, simple, beautiful story.

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. ~Johann Schiller
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,680 reviews79 followers
December 8, 2016
I have learned to grab and read Ms. McMann's stories with the expectation of excellence, and she never disappoints. Once again, this is a beautifully written and constructed short vignette.

Elizabeth and Darcy have been married for 9 years but have come to an impasse during an argument that is now extending into its second day. Both are determined not to relent. Sitting at the table together, each reflect on an eventful tea at Rosings.

The tale moves back in time to relate the events of that important day, first from Darcy's perspective and then from Elizabeth's. A conversation involving Mrs. Jenkinson, Lady Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne, Darcy and Elizabeth takes a surprising turn and has several significant outcomes that leave Lady Catherine severely displeased.

Ms. McMann makes this simple little story into something special with wonderful characterizations and lively dialogue, and the reader isn't certain what she's leading up to until the final pages, as the reflections on the past have a logical tie-in to the resolution of the argument and a bit of a surprise ending. It's a lovely piece of masterful writing.



Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews133 followers
December 5, 2016
This novella was a delightful epiphany

Short, sweet, clean and read in less than an hour. It is perfect for those waiting in line, a quick quiet moment, a relaxing cozy moment with a cup of tea, hot chocolate or coffee. Yes, this was a simply feel good read.

We flashback several times between our Pemberley couple [now married 9 years] and that faithful April long ago at Rosings. This time things are different and man are they different. We see a new reveal that I’ve not seen presented before. I love it when authors take a different turn of events and take the reader completely by surprise. Oh, it was simply too delicious. I loved it. It was awful, embarrassing and completely hilarious. Poor Lady Catherine, I actually felt pity for her for… about… five seconds until she opened her mouth and made me loath, hate and despise her. No, that is simply too harsh. I dislike her and her cruel treatment of poor Anne. Man, this was a reveal that was just too awesome.

The interaction between Elizabeth and Darcy was magical. I loved his honesty with her and her honesty with him. They were able to bring forward their feelings for each other and examine those points that needed to be changed and those points that needed to go forward. It was really creative how the authors brought them together. This was a very different April at Rosings. Poor Mr. Collins didn’t know what to do, or who to turn to. This certainly rocked his world.

And then, we have Mrs. Jenkinson… poor dear, how delightful for her. I loved this part. I’ve always worried what would happen to her in the story. Our authors created a delightful story for her. I really liked it, and what a surprise.

Let us look now at the ending. Oh, I wanted to cry, it was so touching. Be prepared, those of you with a mother’s heart and a mother’s love, whether you have birthed a child or not, for you will be touched beyond measure. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it. Oh, I love Elizabeth so very much for her act of faith and of her act of love. Our authors created such a beautiful, descriptive scene in front of the Christmas tree. It was the most beautiful touching scene I’ve read in a while. It was so simple, nothing outlandish or verbose, just a simple, description of childlike innocence that touched and pulled at the heart strings. Be still my heart, I still want to cry and I just may.

Novella's are hard to rate as they are not a full book. However, this one was so good, I just had to rate it 5-stars. I still have tears in my eyes, that alone is worth an extra point. Oh, and I simply love, love, love that cover.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,681 reviews201 followers
December 15, 2016
As another review said, I rarely give such short stories 5 stars but this one earned it...and I was weeping at the end. The story goes back and forth from ~ @ 9 years of marriage then flashing back to that fateful time at Rosings.

Early in the tale we read, “Wickham had spread misconceptions about him, tried to elope with his sister when she was only fifteen, and cost him thousands of pounds. The last occurred shortly after he married Elizabeth, when Wickham ran off with Lydia but wouldn’t marry her unless Darcy paid him a substantial amount.” – and I am thinking, "Are we now re-ordering events...after?"

Then there is the role playing at Rosings. In my past employment role playing was often used to work out how to handle certain family situations involving Children, Youth & Families. So Darcy uses that technique and while it seems he is doing it to help his cousin along, he comes to some serious realizations applicable to his feelings and intentions towards Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

The sins of the father...and the mother play a central reason as to why Fitzwilliam refuses to even consider taking on the parenting of an orphan. If this one doesn't touch your heart, especially during this Christmas season I will think you have a very hard heart.

This is very short but with deep meaning. Loved it.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books400 followers
December 18, 2017
A short quick holiday Pride and Prejudice sequel that poses a current dilemma for the Darcys eight years into their marriage and also takes them back to that moment at Rosings when an epiphany happened over tea.

I enjoyed the variation and sequel combo that allowed for a different outcome at Rosings and at the same time gave a lovely glimpse into what came after the happily ever after for Darcy and Lizzy as they contemplate the fate of Wickham and Lydia's boy along with the situations of all their family.
It was quick, lightly touching on characters and plot, but a moderately engaging holiday story.
Profile Image for Anna.
473 reviews33 followers
Read
January 2, 2018
A Pride and Prejudice sequel of sorts, as Darcy and Elizabeth face each other following an argument over what to do with Lydia and Wickham's son now that he is an orphan. Both recount the teatime at Rosings where they came to terms with their misunderstandings and feelings for one another, which though outlandish was thoroughly entertaining!
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,575 reviews1,561 followers
December 27, 2017
After 10 years of marriage, Mr. Darcy knows his Elizabeth very well and knows she is about to win this argument. Elizabeth wants to bring her late sister's child into their home. Mr. Darcy refuses to have the son of George Wickham in his home but as he reflects on the day Elizabeth agreed to become his wife, he realizes being with Elizabeth has changed him.

This is a Pride and Prejudice variation that deviates a LOT from the paths Jane Austen chose for her characters. I do not like that. The original works because of the way the story unfolds. However, the author seems like a skilled writer and if I ignore the characters as eponymous Jane Austen creations and just go with the flow, I really like the story! It's very sweet and charming. It's also very unrealistic given the time period. I know most readers just want the characters to talk about their feelings instead of a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING but in Jane Austen's day, ladies and gentlemen didn't discuss things like feelings, hence the plot of the original novel. Anyway, this is a sweet little short story that doesn't have anything to do with Christmas but is rather heartwarming just the same.
Profile Image for Ree.
1,322 reviews78 followers
October 30, 2022
Heartwarming
What a lovely, heartwarming story this was. A well-written seasonal novella to enjoy as a quick read. Even brought a tear to my eye at the end. It also contains one of most unique proposals I have ever read Darcy give. Nicely done!
Profile Image for Mary.
573 reviews11 followers
December 10, 2016
Dear Reader,

If you're looking for a sweet and very touching snapshot into ODC's life,then look no further than this short story.

Centred around the future of George Wickham Jnr,an orphan,Lizzy and Darcy seem to be diametrically opposed in their opinion of who should care for this eight year old boy.

Having breakfast,Darcy recalls another time,at a different table,at Rosings,where he happily realised his path in life centred around his love for this low born, country miss and thankfully alters the wording of his proposal.

Will it be enough to woo the hand of his fair maiden?

Lizzy,too recalls a special stroll she took with a particular gentleman,the impact some new and truthful information made on her future felicity, watches as this man acknowledges past sins,justifies and atones for such,while pondering what answer to give to one of the most important questions a woman is ever likely to be asked!

I loved this sweet story,and only wish that it was developed into a full length book.

If you're looking for a very quick,uplifting take,a brief invitation into Darcy and Lizzy's past and present life,read this little gem!
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,142 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2016
This was a very enjoyable short story! I loved the flashback to a proposal and the connections/lessons learned that impacted the present. It was short, sweet and I look forward to reading it again.
Profile Image for ana darcy.
313 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2017
nice story but quite unbelievable. However, it's very sweet to read :)
Profile Image for Kasia Burlakoff.
174 reviews16 followers
March 10, 2017
Sweet novella about ODC realizing their mistakes in judgment during Elizabeth's stay at Rosings. I loved the twists with Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson (she is so often neglected in JAFF). Elizabeth's changing her mind was kind of quick, but it's a novella after all. I found a dilemma with Wickham's son very interesting. Darcy learned once again not to make prejudiced judgments.
895 reviews71 followers
December 21, 2017

This was a very quick sweet Christmas story that gives us a glimpse of married life after nine years of marriage between Elizabeth and Darcy. When a disagreement comes between them, both talk it over during breakfast. Each make valid points that the other has to consider...what will become of Lydia and Wickham's son, George.

As each discuss the issue, they reminisce about about how they came to be betrothed. This leads to a very sweet encounter in the parlor.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books158 followers
April 18, 2020
Delightful novelette

A very creative fast read with surprising twist and turns. A sequel with flasbacks to a unique proposal.
Recommend
Rated: Chaste
Profile Image for Sheryl Gordon.
265 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2017
Good Understanding

Well done. A perfect diversion, well written and enlightening. The authors give us two vignettes, both original, filled with remarkably accurate characterizations of several of the primary P&P players. This story opens with a scene from the, then, current day Darcys and then travels back to a revisionist view of an afternoon at Rosings that precipitated the proposal. Though I'm not a fan of short versions, this is wonderfully executed vignette. Although 4 stars is my personal Max for brief works, this story surpasses my highest expectation.
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2016
This is an imaginative retelling of P&P highlights. Beginning well into Lizzy and Darcy's marriage it is told through a series of flashbacks. Here the author reinvents the occurrences at Rosings in that Mrs. Jenkinson announces her engagement which leads to Col. Fitzwilliam proposing to Anne when Darcy announces he won't. In the current Time Lizzy is attempting to convince Darcy to take in an orphaned relation.

It is adorable and lovely
3,404 reviews43 followers
May 25, 2022
Sweet short story

This is a sweet short story that weaves two timelines together. In the present, Lydia has died and the Darcys disagree about their child. Darcy is prejudiced against him because of his relatives. There are flashbacks to an earlier time when he proposed at Rosings. It is a nicely crafted heartwarming tale although I am not sure I bought the fast, complete one-eighty that Lizzy did, based on very little pondering.
Profile Image for Talia.
969 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2017
Well written but felt like an assignment for a creative writing class to me. I felt it was too structured and lacked charm. Very well written though so I think people will like it.
Profile Image for Melissa Halcomb.
Author 4 books29 followers
April 10, 2023
This was a cute, very quick read. I read the whole thing this morning during my workout on the treadmill.

Nine years into Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage, her youngest sister has died. Having been widowed years previously, she leaves behind her orphaned young son, named George Wickham for his father. E wants to bring the child to Pemberley to live with the Darcys; D is, understandably, against the idea. His fear is that the boy will grow up to be just like his father. During their argument, D looks back on the day he proposed to E (which goes vastly different than canon) and remembers how she taught him not to judge people by the actions of others.

I loved the way LCdB was handled and how AdB was depicted. Darcy was absolutely dreamy. Col Fitzwilliam was slightly ooc but in an endearing way. Yay for Mrs Jenkinson getting a happy ending!

I had a slight problem with how E was depicted during her argument w D. I strongly identify w D; I'm very introverted, am uncomfortable around all but a very few people (whether I know them or not), and rarely know what to say in any given situation. It bothered me that E never gives much thought to how D feels about bringing this boy into his home to raise amongst his own children. She gives about a second's thought for "Yeah, I see how this would be difficult for him," but essentially lands on "He's wrong and needs to suck it up." Wickham didn't just offend D in the past, he actively tried to steal his sister away. He actively tried to ruin D's reputation in E's eyes. He effectively ruined D's relationship w his father. These aren't minor trespasses. It's entirely understandable that D would struggle with the thought of raising that man's son as his own. I wish more time had been spent on E trying to empathize more strongly with her husband.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for James S.
1,430 reviews
November 11, 2018
Wonderful story

Not sure if this was a long short story or a very short novella. Tis not to important I suppose.

What it is is a very well crated story about a couple who are still learning about each other and better yet, still learning to be better people from each other.

It’s not really a Christmas story even though it takes place in December, but it felt like a Christmas story because of the kindness, the charity, the love our dear couple give to a child who needs it very much. It even makes me think well of Lydia. Brought a few tears to my eyes.

I recommend the story highly.
57 reviews
April 25, 2020
Very short but, very enjoyable

Was offered this book free in Renata's newsletter. I think it's so generous of her to make this offer and took advantage of it ( should add I mostly ignore his sort of offer as I'm very cynical about them). I'm so glad I took advantage and downloaded this book as I really enjoyed it. It is very short but oh so sweet! I don't mean in a sugary way but in thought provoking, romantic way. Liked the way all the characters were portrayed, especially Anne and the colonel and not forgetting the usually insipid Mrs Jenkinson!
It may be short but please give it a try I think all P & P fans will love it
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,807 reviews13 followers
January 14, 2024
I loved it!

Epiphany with tea is a story of love, happiness, understanding, and cherishing the season. That was beautifully done. For any season. The beautiful cover didn't hurt either. It's a short simple read and worth every minute. This was a very quick sweet Christmas story that gives us a glimpse of married life after nine years of marriage between Elizabeth and Darcy. The story goes back and forth from the present (9/10 years of marriage), then flashing back to that fateful time at Rosings (9/10 years prior). If this one doesn't touch your heart, I will think you have a very hard heart. This is very short but with deep meaning. I was weeping at the end.
Profile Image for Lisa  Montgomery.
935 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2017
I generally like the combination of Renata McMann and Summer Hanford. They play well to each other's strengths.
This piece is full of flashbacks and reflections of Darcy and Elizabeth's life together after the events in "Pride and Prejudice." Darcy learns compassion in this one.

I do wish the pair would look for split infinitives. "to ever meet," "to consciously close," "to repeatedly tell her," "to generally keep," etc.
761 reviews8 followers
December 9, 2018
Avid Reader

This was a sweet novella detailing how Darcy proposed to Elizabeth during tea at Rosings. Secrets concerning Anne came out leaving everyone speechless.Elizabeth wants Darcy to take in Wickham 's son since both parents are dead. Darcy has never seen the boy, although Wickham died three years after marrying Lydia. They meet in the end, and Darcy realizes that the boy is nothing like his father.
2,526 reviews46 followers
March 30, 2018
I often dislike stories told by flashbacks when they flash back and forth between time periods but this one was quite delightful. It changed up the method of proposal to Elizabeth from Darcy and was rather entertaining. And ended on a note of hope for Wickham's son. I liked the story quite well and wish it had been longer. I wasn't quite ready for it to be over. Fun, clean read.
1,391 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2020
Oh my! What a change

This was a story which did the then and now scenario. This story will pull on your heart strings. Truly enjoyed the storyline and plot. Highly recommended to read
Profile Image for Jean Stillman.
1,025 reviews12 followers
September 23, 2020
An adorable short story that allows Mr. Darcy some insight while observing Elizabeth having tea while at Rosings. In this sweet tale, Darcy's proposal is handled completely differently. How could he lose?
Profile Image for Susan.
7,218 reviews69 followers
December 18, 2017
Can the lessons that Darcy learnt at Rosings when Elizabeth visited help him solve a present day problem presented to him by Elizabeth.
An enjoyable short story.
121 reviews
December 9, 2018
Shirt and sweet

Another sweet story about Darcy and Elizabeth. Although quite short, it revealed the qualities of the characters we love so well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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